“Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven…” (Luke 6:23)
You would think that those who take a stand for right would be applauded and honored. Yet, often it is the exact opposite. In fact, Jesus even said it would be this way. Why? Because people enjoy their sin and will attack anyone who tries to stop them or take away their ability to sin.
All through the Bible, we see that some of the most hated people were those who took a stand for truth and right. Noah was a preacher of righteousness and was mocked and ridiculed. Joseph took a stand for purity and was thrown into prison. John the Baptist took a stand and was beheaded.
In Luke 6, Jesus tells us four things about those who do right:
1. PREPARE TO BE “LONELY.”
If you stand for right, sometimes you will stand alone! Those who stand for right will not be the popular ones, loved by everyone. They will be the first ones people will separate from. When you choose to stand for right, be ready to stand against the crowd.
2. PREPARE TO BE “LIED ABOUT.”
If you stand for right, the wicked crowd will not hesitate to spread things about you that just aren’t true. Joseph was lied about because he refused the sexual advances of his employer’s wife. She falsely accused him of attacking him. Satan is a liar, so he will use his lies against you when you stand for right.
3. PREPARE TO BE “HATED.”
Jesus clearly taught that the world will hate those who oppose it. He said in (John 15:19) “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”
4. PREPARE TO BE “REWARDED.”
“Preacher, you are not exactly encouraging me to stand for right! Why should I stand for what is right if it means I will be lonely, lied about, and hated?” It’s simple. You should stand for what is right because Jesus said that when you do, “your reward is great in heaven.” He is keeping a record of it all and will reward you for taking a stand in spite of the opposition you face.
So, don’t let the hatred, the anger, or the gossip of others discourage you from doing right. Time and eternity will prove you right and, in the end, that is really all that matters!